Pictured above: Damage to the seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park.

Communities in Melbourne’s west are set to enjoy the promenade at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park for years to come, with Duratec Limited appointed to deliver important repairs to the bluestone seawall.    

Years of exposure to winds and waves has caused damage and erosion to the seawall. Guided by geotechnical and structural investigations, the repair works will ensure the wall is preserved and continues to be safe for the community to enjoy.   

Parks Victoria has worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to ensure heritage values and the coastal environment will be protected during the works.  

The seawall repairs are being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program, which is upgrading facilities at 21 parks across Melbourne to provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature in an urban setting and support the health and wellbeing of local communities.  

Further west along the bay, the program includes works to construct a missing link in the Bay Trail to provide a continuous off-road journey for walkers, runners and cyclists between Williamstown and Point Cook Coastal Park. Eighteen popular parks across Melbourne will also receive new and upgraded visitor facilities, such as picnic shelters and tables, toilets, trails, carparks, barbecues, playground equipment and signage. 

Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park is one of Victoria’s richest heritage sites. It was Victoria’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Visitors can explore the maritime history of Timeball Tower, retrace Ned Kelly’s steps along Battery Road, and enjoy the views across the bay.   

Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, works are expected to commence in early 2023.  

For more information visit the Point Gellibrand seawall repairs project page.